At UW Dermatology, our residents have the opportunity to work with and learn from committed faculty mentors who are conducting cutting-edge research in basic and translational science, global dermatology, the scholarship of education, and clinical trials. Our faculty are proud to have published trainee-led research in top journals.
The Department of Dermatology is home to the MC3 Institute and labs that focus on keratinocyte biology, skin cancers, and rare dermatologic disorders with support from the NIH, various foundations, philanthropic giving, and industry sponsorship. As well, we are excited to build our new Clinical Trials Unit to advance treatments for dermatologic diseases.
All residents who have developed a specific research project can request elective blocks dedicated to completing a mentored research project or to allow presentation of accepted abstracts at regional, national, or international meetings. UW Dermatology hosts a quarterly Research Work-in-Progress seminar series to allow trainees in the Department to present their ongoing research, gain valuable feedback on projects, and practice for platform presentations at meetings like the Society for Investigative dermatology (SID), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Washington State Dermatology Association, or the Seattle Dermatologic Society.
Residents with more extensive research experience wishing to pursue a career in academic dermatology are eligible to be nominated to attend the SID Future Leaders Retreat. Those aiming to pursue a career as a physician-scientist and who wish to complete a postdoctoral research fellowship should indicate their interest in our research track by including details about their research experience and achievements in the ERAS application and personal statement and to submit a letter of recommendation from research mentor/s.
Dermatology Residency Research Track
Overview: 
We offer a 3+1 research track at the University of Washington Department of Dermatology. Residents in this track complete a regular, clinical dermatology residency, with protected time each year to focus on research as detailed below. At the end of the 3 years, the resident will sit for the applied board exam with their cohort. In the 4th year, the candidate is appointed to an Acting Instructor faculty position and will typically have a half to full clinical day per week (based on trainee choice), with the balance of their time dedicated to research.
Year 1:
- 2 weeks to connect with mentors and prepare a plan for a research career path. Residents use their 10 paid professional leave days (separate from vacation time) for this non-clinical time.
- Attendance at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Future Leaders Retreat and the SID Annual meeting is encouraged and supported by the Department.
Year 2:
- 2 weeks of dedicated research time. Up to 2 additional weeks may be considered and granted if needed for professional development, at the Program Director and Department Chair’s discretion.
- SID meeting attendance
Year 3:
- 1 month dedicated time for research/grant preparation. Up to 2 additional weeks may be considered and granted if needed for professional development, at the program director and department chair’s discretion.
- Sit for Applied Board Exam with residency cohort
Year 4:
- Acting Instructor faculty position
- Half or full day of clinic to supplement postdoctoral salary
- Expectation of partial salary support from chosen lab and / or a grant, fellowship, or a career development award from various organizations (e.g., NIH T32/F32, Dermatology Foundation, American Skin Association, National Psoriasis Foundation, Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance)
- Guaranteed remaining salary support for year 4 from the Department
There is no separate application process (nor NRMP ID) for research track dermatology residency candidates. Interested candidates should apply for one of our regular positions. We would be happy to help arrange research-focused interviews with potential mentors.